How Can an Electricity Outage Affect Natural Gas Service

Day or night. Summer or winter. Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a shortage in electrical supply, downed lines or storms, leaving neighborhoods or communities temporarily in the dark.

You should always be prepared for an emergency, regardless of the cause.

It is important to remember power outages may affect the electrical components on the natural gas appliances in your home or business

• How to Prepare
• What to do During an Outage

How to Prepare

It is a good idea to have supplies on hand and be prepared for any emergency, not just a gas or electrical outage. Some of these supplies may include:

• Extra clothing and blankets to keep warm;
• An adequate supply of fresh water and non-perishable food items;
• A flashlight, some candles, matches and a battery-operated radio with extra batteries.

What to do During an Outage

A blown fuse or tripped breaker can shut down your power. A quick inspection can help determine whether one or more breaker switches may be turned ‘off.’ Simply moving any ‘thrown’ switches to the ‘off’ position and then to the ‘on’ position can restore power.

Turn off any appliances you were using when the power went out. However, keep a main light switch in the on position. This way you’ll know when the power is back on.

• Lights
• Your Natural Gas Appliances
• Communications
• Turn Off Your Appliances
• Protect Your Plumbing
• Stay Warm
• Think Safety

Lights

This may seem too obvious to bother about. Yes, of course you have a flashlight. But do you know where it is? Could you find it in the dark? Do you have extra batteries? Or a rechargeable (and fully charged) flashlight?

Keep candles and matches on hand. Remember, candles are romantic but potentially dangerous. Have solid, stable holders for them and be especially careful if there are children or pets around. Have a fire extinguisher (A-B-C type) on hand and know how to use it.

Your Natural Gas Appliances

Most furnaces won’t operate during a power outage because the entire heating system may require electricity, including the thermostat, fan motor and gas valve. In the event of a power outage, the standing pilot light will not be affected. It will continue to burn and when electricity is restored, the furnace will operate as usual. As well, furnaces with electronic ignition systems will start automatically when power is restored.

Most new models of gas fireplace will function without power. Their fans won't work, but most throw off enough radiant heat that they don't require fans.

During a power outage, the majority of water heaters will continue to operate because they are not hooked up to electrical power.

Communications

Cordless phones or extension phones that require connection to an electric outlet won't work during power outages. Models that only need to be plugged into the phone jack will work.

A battery radio lets you keep up with the news from the outside world. Make sure you have extra batteries. You could also use your car radio in an emergency, but remember the dangers of running a vehicle in an enclosed garage.

Turn Off Your Appliances

Sensitive equipment and electronics should be unplugged during an outage and only replugged after power has been restored. Preventative safeguards such as surge protectors and battery-powered backup accessories can be invaluable. Appliances such as ovens or irons which may have been ‘on’ when power was lost can sometimes be forgotten about during an outage and become a serious safety hazard.

There are two options for how to turn off your appliances. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The first option is to unplug them one by one, leaving one light on to let you know electricity has been restored. However, it is easy to forget appliances, and awkward to get around to them all in the dark. It's also easy to turn them off and on --- and not know how you've left them.

The second option is to turn off your main circuit breaker. This ensures that you won't overlook anything. It does mean you'll have to keep an eye on streetlights outside to let you know that power has been restored.

Protect Your Plumbing

One major concern during a cold-weather power outage is the possibility of pipes and toilets freezing. Consider winterizing your pipes to prevent them from bursting. Close blinds or drapes and avoid opening doors to keep heat from escaping.

Stay Warm

If the outage is likely to be a prolonged one, and the weather is cold, prepare to stay warm as your house cools down.

• Gather family members in a room with fireplace or other safe source of heat.
• Close blinds or drapes and avoid opening doors to keep heat from escaping.
• Dress like you dress for winter - in layers.
• Remember that wrapping a newborn in a cold blanket will actually make the baby colder, not warmer. Warm the blanket first.
• If the whole house cools down to match the outdoor temperature, your basement will become the warmest point. This is because it actually begins drawing heat from the subsoil.

Think Safety

You still need ventilation --- especially if regular cold-air intake systems are not working. Keep a window open slightly.

Don't run extension cords to the home of a neighbor who still has power. This caused many fires during the Quebec ice storm.

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